‘Prosthetic pioneer’ John Sabolich, CPO, dies

John Sabolich, CPO, designer of the Sabolich Socket and founder of the Limbs for Life Foundation, died on July 23. He was 68 years old.

Sabolich was born on Aug. 6, 1984 in Oklahoma City. He is remembered as a pioneer in O&P and his methods became standard university curriculum, according to a statement released by Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research, an O&P company founded by his father and now run by John Sabolich’s son.

“He impacted the lives of so many, especially in the prosthetic community,” read a statement posted on the company’s Facebook page. “He was best known as a prosthetic pioneer for his development and patented design of the Sabolich Socket, still used today by practitioners all over the world. His dynamic design revolutionized the fit and comfort of above-knee amputees worldwide. He was also the founder of the Limbs for Life Foundation, which today has helped thousands of people attain the much-needed prosthetic care they may have otherwise been unable to afford. He was a hero in his own right, and he will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to the Limbs for Life Foundation. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”